Three schools closed in Portland, roads flooded

Classes have been suspended at three schools in Portland, due to torrential rainfall, which has pelted the eastern parish for more than 10 hours.

Students attending Portland high school, Port Antonio Primary, and Norwich Primary, were sent home from as early as 8:30 this morning due to persistent rainfall, which also left several roadways inundated and several classrooms flooded.

Portland high school – located at Rice Peas road, near Boundbrook – is now under threat from a nearby river, which could overflow its banks.

Disaster Coordinator for the parish Denise Lewis says the unfavourable weather condition is being monitored and the various emergency teams are on standby to deal with any eventuality.

The inclement weather also resulted in several roadways being blocked and traffic had to be rerouted from lower West Street.

Additionally the roadway at Long Wall, near Bryan’s Bay in the vicinity of the Coronation Bakery was also inundated and traffic was re-routed through Boundbrook and Boundbrook Avenue.